The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) awarded a 2022-2023 Superior Merit Award designation to the Human Resources Association at Indiana University (HRA-IU), a SHRM student chapter, for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession, and SHRM engagement.
Prof. Dan Grundmann, who teaches human resource management courses at the O’Neill School, congratulated the students, saying, “Once again, the HRA at IU, a self-governed student organization, demonstrated the impressive capabilities of O’Neill undergraduates. In response to unanticipated hurdles, the HRA board modified their approach and strategy for program delivery and achieved Superior Merit status nonetheless. Their hard work, under the leadership of outgoing board member Carina Antonini and current board president Kalyn Whitted, resulted in programming that provided outstanding growth opportunities and professional development in support of the HRA membership.”
SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.
Led by student chapter president Carina Antonini, HRA-IU achieved Superior Merit status by implementing a series of programs throughout the 2022-23 academic year that aligned with SHRM guidelines for professional activities among affiliated student chapters. Achievements included, among others, numerous HR practitioner presentations by subject matter experts, a competency-based resume building workshop, an employer site visit to Elwood Staffing in Columbus, Ind., and regular chapter electronic newsletter publications.
Current HRA-IU president Kalyn Whitted looks forward to expanding on the group’s previous success. “Last year, working alongside my peers on the board was an incredible learning experience, and to be able to serve as President this year to continue that journey is a true privilege,” said Whitted. “This year, we as an expanded board are enthusiastic about the year ahead, dedicated to enhancing the HRA for its members and students. I am so proud to have been a part of the team recognized with this award, and I look forward to collaborating with this new team to transform our innovative ideas into reality.”
HRA-IU has a long streak of merit award recognition from SHRM dating back to at least 2016, and this marks the fourth consecutive year, and the fifth overall, that the self-governed student organization achieved Superior Merit status.
“SHRM student chapter members embody the upcoming cohort of HR trailblazers, and it’s vital to highlight their achievements.” Said Michael P. Aitken, SHRM Chief Membership Officer. “The dedication displayed by HRA-IU underscores that the future of the profession is in good hands. I commend their achievements and their adeptness in cultivating inventive initiatives, growth, and enthusiasm for HR, especially as we steer through evolving work landscapes.”
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